MainStreet DeLand 40th Anniversary
Est. 1985
Celebrating Four Decades in the Community
In 2025, the MainStreet DeLand Association is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary! For four decades, our dedicated organization has worked to preserve the historic charm of DeLand while fostering a vibrant downtown community. Through countless events, partnerships, and revitalization efforts, we have contributed to the growth and success of our beloved city. Join us throughout the year as we commemorate this incredible milestone with special events, tributes, and celebrations that honor our past and look forward to an exciting future. Thank you for being part of the MainStreet DeLand journey!
Events
To commemorate our 40th anniversary, the MainStreet DeLand Association is hosting a series of special events and celebrations throughout the year! These events will highlight the unique heritage of DeLand, and honor the people who have helped shape our downtown community over the past four decades. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone!
Sponsorships
As we prepare to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the MainStreet DeLand Association in 2025, we’re excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who want to be part of this special milestone. Sponsoring our anniversary year is a great way to show your support for the DeLand community while gaining valuable exposure throughout our year-long celebration. You can join us in making this anniversary unforgettable!
Ways you can Volunteer
We invite you to get involved by volunteering during our events! Volunteering is a wonderful way to support our community, meet new people, and play a key role in making our events a success. Follow the link below to sign up to receive notifications when we have volunteer opportunities.
Our Beginnings
In the fall of 1984, the idea of a MainStreet Association was born. The Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (DRAB) formulated the idea through contacts with the State of Florida.
The idea was pitched to then Chamber Executive Director, Dal Ritchey, by Sid Carlern, Chuck MacMahman, and Allen Cajacob. Mr. Ritchey supportedthe idea and worked with the initial executive board now fondly known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Those dedicated community members were:
Richard Kelton (Government Consultant), President
Jim West (Stetson Flower) Vice President
Donna Lutz (Realtor) Secretary
Michael (Mick) Aleno (Florida Bank) Treasurer
Steve Burley (Volusia/Lake/Flagler Private Industry Council)
Jim Stepp (Stepp Office Supply)
John Gregory (Feasel’s Paint and Glass)
On February 19, 1985, MainStreet DeLand Association, Inc. was named the “Number One” Florida Main Street. Twenty cities had submitted for this honor, and only five were chosen.
Mayor Jim Ed Summerhill proclaimed March 4, 1985 as MainStreet Day in DeLand, and on March 14, 1985 the first official meeting of the MainStreet DeLand Association was held.